Rafalski trying to mesh with teammates; $9 tickets introduced

After spending seven seasons in New Jersey, it's going to take a little time for Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski to get accustomed to his new teammates and surroundings.

"It's really different,'' Rafalski said Thursday. "We were playing a little scrimmage out there and I'm like passing to the wrong guys.''

That's why skating with about half the team during informal practices this week in Troy is important for Rafalski. Training camp starts on Sept. 14 in Traverse City.

"The names and (voices on the ice) don't come first-hand. I have to learn all the names and use them on the ice,'' Rafalski said. "Communication is obviously important.''

.... Another newcomer, former Wing Dallas Drake, promises to continue playing his usual physical style, forcing opponents to keep their heads up and holding them accountable. He was suspended for two games last season for a flying elbow to the head of Wings defenseman Brett Lebda. They haven't renewed acquaintances yet, as Lebda is training back home in Chicago.

"It was unfortunate,'' Drake said. "I'm sure we'll just shake it off and move on. It happens in hockey all the time. I've played with other guys I've hit real hard and got a chance to meet them and we were friendly off the ice, so I don't expect that to be a problem.''

.... Goaltender Jimmy Howard, preparing for his third season in Grand Rapids, said one of his goals is to make the AHL All-Star team. He also knows he must be ready in case he's needed in Detroit, if Dominik Hasek or Chris Osgood is injured.

"I think I've had two OK years in the AHL and it's about time I stepped up and proved that I am capable of playing night in and night out and being an NHL goaltender,'' Howard said.

Conditioning has been an issue with Howard in the past, but he feels he's in good shape. He's between 205 and 210, 15 to 20 pounds lighter than he was when he turned pro two years ago.

"I feel quicker out there and I'm not getting winded as easily,'' Howard said. "Not carrying around that extra 20 pounds really helps.''

.... Defenseman Niklas Kronwall is fully recovered from the fractured sacrum that sidelined him for the last week of the regular season and the playoffs, and he's anxious to start scrimmaging.

"I've been skating for the last 3½ weeks and it's feeling better and better every day,'' Kronwall said. "No pain, no setback, no nothing. I'm looking forward to camp.''

.... Kris Draper is slated to move from center to the wing and will be competing for a spot on one of the top two lines.

"Those kind of opportunities, as players, that's the reason you train so hard,'' Draper said. "If you get a little bit more opportunity or responsibility you take advantage of that.''

.... Tomas Kopecky is looking forward to his new role as the fourth-line center, a position he hasn't played much since juniors.

"I got to start practicing face-offs,'' Kopecky said. "Center has more pucks. I like center. At wing, you got to stay with your defenseman. At center you got to be really responsible defensively. You get the puck all the time coming from the zone. I like that style of play.''

.... The Wings on Thursday announced that they'll begin selling $9 tickets for all home games. The special $9 ticket goes on sale for September pre-season and October regular-season games Sept. 13 at 10:00 am. They'll be released on a monthly basis throughout the season and will only be available for purchase at the Joe Louis Arena Box Office, with a limit of two tickets per person. The club also announced that all available single-game tickets for home games in October, November and December will go on sale on Sept. 13. Reserved seats are priced at $22, $44 and $54. They'll be available at the Box Office, all TicketMaster locations, by by calling 248-645-6666 or at detroitredwings.com